Effect of Steaming on Waste-Derived Zeolite ZSM-5 as Methanol-To-Hydrocarbons Catalyst

Abstract

The valorization of low-grade industrial residues into valuable materials has been a way to reduce the impact of the industry on planetary boundaries. Silicon-rich wastes have been used for zeolite synthesis while the impurities originating from wastes have a vital role in the physicochemical properties and the catalytic performance of waste-derived zeolites. Here, the effect of steaming and the impact of impurities on waste-derived zeolites were investigated. Steamed waste-derived zeolite ZSM-5 maintained their structure while their Brønsted acidity was decreased significantly due to dealumination. Electron paramagnetic resonance revealed that steaming of the samples resulted in the re-dispersion of Fe impurities phases. The waste-derived zeolites exhibited a high amount of weak and intermediate acidity upon steaming. Interestingly, the waste-derived sample with a higher amount of impurities had an increase in Lewis acidity upon steaming, while catalytic testing in the Methanol-to-Hydrocarbons reaction exhibited 10 % higher conversion and 4 % in propylene yield.